Category: Formula 1

Valtteri Bottas: Underwhelming or Simply Not on Hamilton’s Level?

In 2017, Mercedes opted for Valtteri Bottas to replace the at-the-time world champion, Nico Rosberg, who had announced his retirement from the sport. Following an impressive three years with Williams, the Finnish driver swapped the historic racing brand for the dominant team.

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The move provided the foundations for Bottas to launch an assault on the Formula One drivers’ world championship. However, since arriving at the Brackley-based constructor, the 31-year-old has failed to stop Lewis Hamilton. This raises the question of whether time running out for Bottas.

A Constant Struggle to Match Hamilton

In terms of ability, Bottas is unquestionably one of the most talented drivers on the grid. As racers go, the Finnish-born competitor is incredibly reliable. The fact that Mercedes have won the last four constructors’ championships with Bottas in the team reflects his contributions. Moreover, it’s a testament … Read the rest

Castroneves swaps Barber for Nashville in return to IndyCar with Meyer Shank

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves has added the new Music City Grand Prix to his part-time return to IndyCar with the No. 06 car at Meyer Shank Racing for the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series season, and in the process will be dropping the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park from his schedule.

Castroneves will run six races with Meyer Shank, starting at the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, followed by the Music City Grand Prix (8 August), the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course event in August (14 Aug.), the Grand Prix of Portland (12 September), WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (19 Sept.) and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (26 Sept.).

Tennessee-based financial technology company Transcard will be joining Meyer Shank Racing as the sponsor for the No. 06 car in what will be the company’s home race on the streets of … Read the rest

New cooling configuration for 2021 Ferrari. More capacity on the top intake

With the occasion of the video that portrayed the fire-up of the Ferrari SF21 engine, it was possible to notice that the design of the airbox has been modified with two additional air intakes on the sides of those for the engine. It is possible that the Cavallino technicians have decided to rearrange some elements of the cooling system on the 6 cylinders. We will only have confirmation on 10 March when the car will be officially presented.

The Ferrari SF21 will only be seen on March 10 when the single-seater will be presented, but the engine fire-up video that was posted showed us the first novelty of the Ferrari 2021 red: the image highlights the airbox that has a new design compared to that of the SF1000 which was triangular in shape with a horizontal partition.

Judging from the images that have been published, Scuderia Ferrari has decided to … Read the rest

Epic Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team chair

Epic and irresistible Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team branded luxury gaming chair for the F1 enthusiast with 100{3851c0879557ceb6c70cddb6630c7df9a9750acfd53fffec21979e603af26faa} vegan-friendly, breathable and water-resistant hybrid material cover with high-precision manufacturing, as well as very comprehensive features and a variety of adjustment options. Premium cushion set included.

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The exclusive F1 winner’s chair

As a result of intensive research and development, the new noblechairs EPIC Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team – 2021 Edition is more than just a gaming chair. It is a symbol of collaboration and a declaration of love for everything that is the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team brand and F1 motorsport. The exclusive EPIC model represents the dedication, skill and success of the F1 World champions.

While remaining understated and timeless, the embroidered logo branding makes an elegant aesthetic statement. Precisely crafted and unique, the limited edition EPIC is both a chair and an … Read the rest

Rookie Chandler Smith leads Truck Daytona practice in Toyota domination

For the first time since 21 February 2020 in Las Vegas, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series held a practice. On Thursday, before the Cup Series‘ Bluegreen Vacations Duel, the Trucks ran their only practice session a day before the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. 18-year-old rookie Chandler Smith and his fellow Toyota Tundras nearly swept the top ten as they comprised all but one of the spots.

Smith, who signed with Kyle Busch Motorsports for the full season, led Austin Hill with a lap time of 47.458 and speed of 189.641 mph, the former being just .007 faster. The ThorSport Racing quartet, who had switched to Toyota before the season after three years with Ford, all had spots in the top ten with Johnny Sauter leading in third. Smith’s KBM team-mates Drew Dollar and John Hunter Nemechek—both also new to the team—were … Read the rest

Carlos Sainz’s message to Fernando Alonso after road accident

Former Scuderia Ferrari driver driver Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road traffic accident while cycling in Switzerland. His Alpine team say he is conscious and awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow.

Fernando Alonso is due to return to Formula One this year following two years away in which he twice took on the Le Mans 24-hour race, and the Dakar Rally with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The 39-year old is an avid cyclist to such a degree that he attempted to set up a professional team in 2015.

Alpine F1 statement:

“Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland. Fernando is conscious and well in himself and awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning. Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow.”

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz … Read the rest

Livinguard teams up with Alfa Romeo Racing for 2021 season

Livinguard, a hygiene technology leader,  has joined Sauber Motorsport, which operates and manages the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN entry in the Formula One world championship, to supply race team, engineers, and ground staff with a state-of-the-art health and safety solutions ahead of the 2021 season.

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With the world still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and an increased focus on keeping personnel safe at racetracks and in the daily affairs at HQ, the need for reliable and sustainable hygiene solutions is paramount to unlock the emotions of the racing season for millions of fans worldwide. The partnership between Sauber Motorsport and Livinguard will tap into these crucial requirements, delivering some of the most advanced protective gear on the market – while also minimising waste and the use of resources.

Sauber Motorsport personnel on and off the track will sport the distinctive … Read the rest

Martin Truex Jr. signs contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing

Martin Truex Jr. will stay in the #19 Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing for a while longer. On Wednesday, before the first Daytona 500 practice, the team announced the NASCAR Cup Series driver has signed a contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it will keep him with the team through at least 2022.

“I’m happy to get this news out there so we can focus on this season and the future with Joe Gibbs Racing,” Truex stated. “This is where I wanted to be and to continue building on the success we have had together the past two years. I appreciate Coach (Gibbs), my team, everyone at JGR and all of our partners like Bass Pro Shops, Auto-Owners Insurance, Reser’s Fine Foods, Stanley Black & Decker and Toyota for making this possible and I look forward to continuing those relationships as we move forward.”

Truex joined … Read the rest

Rene Arnoux gives verdict on how Ferrari will do in 2021

Scuderia Ferrari need to make big changes to return to success, but that ‘miracle’ will not happen in 2021, according to Rene Arnoux.

The Italian side suffered a big drop-off in the 2020 season, finishing P6 in the Constructors’ Championship – that is only the third time in the last 40 years they have finished outside the top four. A repeat of this finish is unlikely to happen again in 2021, though it is a big challenge for them to return to the previous standards they set themselves, especially given the limitations surrounding changes to the car.

They have unsurprisingly been working hard on a new engine and Mattia Binotto is confident they have fixed the power issues which caused their lowly finish last season.

While the car itself and those driving it are, of course, vital to success, former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux stressed that those working behind the … Read the rest

In the Pit Lane – Who is Dmitry Mazepin?

Who is Dmitry Mazepin? As Formula 1 community digests the arrival of the Mazepin family the question remains.

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Dmitry Mazepin is often described as a Russian oligarch born in Belarus who made his fortune in the Russian chemical and fertilizer industries through his ownership of Uralchem and potash fertilizer company Uralkali.

These positions make him one of the most important players in the Russian chemicals and fertilizer industries, which are among the most important industries in Russia. His net worth is hard to ascertain with estimates ranging from $1.3 billion to $7.1 billion but either way he has a sizeable bank account! There have been numerous scandals and investigations over the years into Mazepin’s business dealings that question his tactics and corporate governance.

Recently, Mazepin has been in the international and Russian press as he has been active in Belarusian affairs … Read the rest